July 29, 2002	Monday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 18,1423

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BEIJING, July 28: Premier Zhu Rongji and other Chinese leaders have reassured that China will continue to give top priority to strengthening of Sino-Pakistan relations.

They conveyed the sentiments of deep friendship to the government and the people of Pakistan, during separate meetings held with Ambassador Riaz Hussain Khokhar, who made courtesy calls on them before leaving Beijing on his elevation as secretary Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese leaders included the Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, Defence Minister Gen Chi Hotian, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guangsheng and Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke highly about the importance of Sino-Pakistan friendship in bilateral and regional context.

Recounting the depth and warmth of their existing bilateral ties, they said the two countries have developed a complete unanimity of views on all matters of regional and international interest.

It was noted that their bilateral relations have stood the test of changing situation and no matter what happened, their friendship remain steadfast.

During the meetings, they also reiterated their commitment to support Pakistan in its efforts to settle disputes with India peacefully through dialogue. In this connection, they appreciated the policies of President Pervez Musharraf.

The Chinese leaders noted that the two sides in recent years witnessed concrete progress in their bilateral relations, promoting a comprehensive and all-round partnership in all sphere of life, particularly in the economic field.

They assured that Pakistan will receive complete support for timely completion of the development projects including the Gwadar Port, which have been undertaken with the Chinese assistance.

Congratulating him on his appointment as foreign secretary, they hoped that the Ambassador Riaz would continue his efforts to further consolidate the existing friendship.—APP